Functional Medicine Gut Health Care in Denver and Longmont, Colorado

Digestive symptoms are often signs that something deeper in the body is out of balance. Chronic bloating, abdominal pain, gas, reflux, food reactions, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, and irregular bowel habits may be connected to:

Conventional medicine often focuses on symptom management. Functional medicine focuses on understanding WHY symptoms are happening and what is driving inflammation and dysfunction within the body. Our goal is to identify the underlying causes contributing to your gut issues so your body can heal naturally.

Advanced Functional Testing vs. Conventional Testing

Conventional digestive testing often focuses on identifying acute infections or severe disease, while functional medicine testing evaluates how the digestive system is functioning as a whole.

At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic in Longmont, Denver, and Wheat Ridge, we use advanced functional testing to uncover underlying causes of digestive symptoms, fatigue, inflammation, and chronic health concerns. Testing may evaluate gut microbiome balance, yeast or bacterial overgrowth, parasites, digestive function, inflammation markers, nutrient deficiencies, hormone and stress patterns, intestinal permeability, and immune activity within the gut.

Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend comprehensive stool testing, Organic Acids Testing (OAT), blood chemistry analysis, food sensitivity testing, hormone evaluation, or toxin screening. This personalized “test, don’t guess” approach helps us create targeted treatment plans focused on long-term healing rather than temporary symptom relief.

A Personalized Approach to Gut Healing

At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we believe gut healing should never be one-size-fits-all. Patients in Longmont, Denver, Wheat Ridge, and surrounding Colorado communities receive personalized treatment plans based on their symptoms, testing results, health history, and comfort level. Many patients experience significant improvement through functional medicine, nutrition, herbal protocols, stress support, and lifestyle changes alone. However, for patients with a history of abdominal surgery, C-sections, scar tissue, chronic inflammation, injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or significant abdominal tension, structural and nervous system factors may also contribute to digestive dysfunction. In these cases, Dr. Barter and Dr. Chetty may incorporate supportive therapies such as Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM), scar tissue therapy, chiropractic care, bodywork, and nervous system support techniques to help improve mobility, circulation, inflammation regulation, scar tissue healing, and overall digestive function. Every treatment plan is customized to support long-term healing and root-cause recovery.

Many patients initially come to us eating extremely restrictive diets because they feel like they react to everything they eat. Once underlying triggers and gut imbalances are identified and addressed, many patients are able to gradually reintroduce foods and expand their diets again — which can be life-changing.

Why Patients Choose Alternative Family Medicine

At Alternative Family Medicine and Chiropractic, we have over 2 decades of experience helping patients throughout Longmont, Boulder County, Denver, Wheat Ridge, and surrounding Colorado communities find answers to chronic digestive symptoms that other providers have been unable to resolve.

Patients frequently describe finally feeling heard after years of frustration and unanswered symptoms.

We combine functional medicine with supportive therapies that address both the digestive system and the nervous system, helping patients achieve a more comprehensive approach to healing.

Dr. Barter was also the former host of the Gut Health Reset Podcast, where she discussed the latest research on digestive health, hormones, inflammation, and functional medicine. Today, she continues educating patients through social media and patient education resources.

Serving Longmont & Northern Colorado Communities

Our Longmont office is conveniently located for patients throughout:

  • Niwot
  • Lyons
  • Berthoud
  • Firestone
  • Frederick
  • Erie
  • Boulder
  • Mead

Many patients searching for a gut health doctor near Longmont come to our office after years of struggling to find lasting answers through conventional care.

Serving Denver, Wheat Ridge & the West Denver Metro Area

Our Denver office is conveniently located on the border of Denver and Wheat Ridge, making it easily accessible for patients throughout:

  • Arvada
  • Lakewood
  • Edgewater
  • Highlands
  • Golden
  • Westminster
  • West Denver

Many patients searching for a gut health doctor near Denver or Wheat Ridge come to our office after years of struggling to find lasting answers through conventional care.

Schedule a Gut Health Consultation

If you are tired of living with bloating, IBS, SIBO, food sensitivities, chronic digestive symptoms, or unexplained gut issues, we are here to help.Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ann-Marie Barter or Dr. Vashi Chetty today and take the first step toward restoring your gut health and getting real answers.

FAQs

What is gut health?

Gut health refers to the balance of microorganisms in the digestive system, which affects digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.

Why is gut health important?

A healthy gut supports digestion, nutrient absorption, mental health, and immune function.

What are signs of poor gut health?

Symptoms include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, food sensitivities, and skin issues.

How does diet impact gut health?

A diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and probiotics supports a balanced gut microbiome.

What foods improve gut health?

Fermented foods (yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut), fiber-rich vegetables, and prebiotic foods help maintain gut balance.

How does stress affect gut health?

Stress disrupts gut bacteria, increases inflammation, and can worsen digestive issues.

Can poor gut health cause mental health issues?

Yes, gut health is linked to mental well-being through the gut-brain connection, affecting mood and cognition.

How does functional medicine improve gut health?

It addresses root causes through personalized nutrition, probiotics, and lifestyle changes.

Are probiotics necessary for gut health?

Probiotics help restore gut flora, but their effectiveness depends on individual needs.

Can gut health affect skin conditions?

Yes, imbalanced gut bacteria can contribute to acne, eczema, and other skin issues.